Africa • Morocco • Casablanca • Hotel Review
Marly Boutique Hotel: Art Deco Elegance and Rooftop Views in Casablanca
In Casablanca’s Maarif neighborhood, Marly Boutique Hotel blends Art Deco elegance with modern design. Its Haussmann-style façade, Italian marble, and brass details echo the city’s refined early 20th-century architecture.
By Maria Belen Archetto
Why it works
Casablanca is the kind of city you'd read about in a novel, although it was made world-famous by the movie of the same name. Described as an enchanting land in the book In Arabian Nights and as the perfect setting for a picturesque scene in a seaside café in Leaving Tangier, Casablanca stands as a character in its own right, steeped in history, design, and architecture. As you wander through Mohammed V Boulevard and the areas surrounding the city center, you'll be greeted by the Art Deco heritage from the 1920s, best experienced in a charming boutique hotel where the past seamlessly meets the present.
Located in the Maarif neighborhood in the heart of Casablanca, Marly Boutique Hotel expresses the elegant lines of Art Deco with contemporary design elements. As soon as you step into this 39-key luxury hotel, it’s easy to notice that its Haussmann-style façade and the use of materials such as Italian marble, lacquered wood, gilded brass, and forged iron subscribe to the refinement of the city’s architecture from the early 20th century.
In addition to its location and inspiration from Casablanca’s Art Deco heritage, an even more appealing aspect of this hotel, which opened its doors in February, is its goal of intimacy and calmness. Marly Boutique Hotel takes this mission seriously, and that’s why it has created the Signature M Suites. Situated on the top floor, the proposal goes far deeper than the mere surface of a true haven of comfort, as each room includes a dressing room adorned with canework, a spacious marble bathroom, a lounge area complete with a sofa bed, and a stylish marble coffee table.
While the Executive Rooms feature private balconies that offer delightful views of the vibrant Boulevard Massira, the Prestige Rooms provide guests with a breathtaking 180° panorama of Casablanca, ensuring you wake up to an inspiring cityscape each morning. Moreover, rooms are meticulously appointed with a velvet headboard and a comfortable king-sized bed, ensuring a restful night's sleep. While in the hotel, guests are treated to roasted salted almonds, bath and body products by Botanika, and a selection of must-have books entirely dedicated to Cartier and Virgil Abloh, highlighting their commitment to details and design.
Marly Boutique Hotel elevates the experience with Maison M Brasserie, a dining venue designed by renowned interior architect Fabrice Maurel. At the heart of the restaurant, the charm of a Parisian brasserie meets the flavors of French Mediterranean cuisine, reimagined with a contemporary flair. Its gourmet, generous, and seasonal dishes offer the perfect setting for both private and professional gatherings.
Even if you're not a morning person, the rooftop Mystik is the perfect option to indulge in a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Savor 'beldi,' a delightful barley soup, alongside pancakes such as baghrir or msemen, all topped with amlou—a delectable mix of argan oil, almonds, and honey. Return in the evening to enjoy the captivating rooftop ambiance and breathtaking panoramic views from the 6th floor.
From the natural luminosity that fills each room to the meticulous attention to detail in the decor, Marly Boutique Hotel promises an experience that will linger in your memory.
Top Takeaways
Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: Marly Boutique Hotel: An intimate boutique hotel offering a refined and elegant experience. (I still remember the natural light that flooded the room every morning, adding an extra touch of warmth and charm to the stay)
Our favorite thing about the hotel: It’s hard to pick just one, but what stands out is the personalized and attentive service, which embodies the art of hospitality in Morocco
Food + Drink: From continental breakfast, gourmet offerings, and the beldi, to the fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine, all complemented by cocktails and a selection of wines.
Amenities: Restaurant, Rooftop, Complimentary private parking with valet service, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, In-room tea/coffee makers, Laundry service, Airport and city transfer services
What’s nearby? Hassan II Mosque; Mohammed V Square; Art Deco District; Old Medina, The Corniche beachfront district; Ain Diab Beach
Any personal neighborhood recs? Explore the architecture and historic boulevards of Downtown Casablanca, Anfa Park for a green escape, and L'atelier des arômes for a pottery workshop.
Rooms: 39
Pricing: Rates start at $210 per night.
Closest Airport: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Hotels Above Par
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